With the onset of the frigid winter weather, the suffering of the Ukrainian people has intensified. The attacks continue in cities across the country, as the conflict approaches the 3-year mark.
The Jews of Ukraine are working hard to maintain their physical and mental health; they are anxious, scared, and tired. Frequent interruptions to the power supply and other critical infrastructure make it impossible to carry on daily activities. School children are forced to study in bomb shelters and parents struggle to afford food and heat. Our ongoing efforts are critical to the survival of the Jews of Ukraine.
Each month we deliver food packages to 15,000 families, along with grocery store vouchers to others. For the elderly and the infirm we provide hot meals, 4 times each week, a service that is particularly critical during the winter months.
We provide financial assistance to cover utility costs to many families who are unable to afford the cost of heat and light. We also coordinate medical and mental health care to those in need, including dental programs, counseling services, physical therapy and more.
We are educating thousands of kids, in full time schools as well as extracurricular and Sunday school programs. We have a major effort underway to convert the education curriculum from Russian to Ukrainian, in compliance with new laws. Twelve different textbooks must be translated, not an insignificant task!
The 150 industrial generators we installed in schools and community centers last year are being used to create much needed warming centers across the country; additional generators are urgently needed. Individuals and families come to get warm and power their portable devices. The costs to operate the generators have become substantial, with the increased cost of fuel and the need to run the units several hours each day in many places.
There are more internally displaced people in Ukraine than anywhere in the world, and thousands of Jews are among them. Many people had to flee their homes with little more than the clothes on their back. Some were fortunate to be able to move in with relatives in other parts of the country, but many had nowhere to go. We have provided temporary housing and support to hundreds of people as they try to reestablish themselves. In many cases mothers are trying to work and care for their children, while their husbands are away.
We have also intensified security efforts in schools, community centers and synagogues throughout Ukraine, as the threats of violence against Jews have escalated around the world.
For nearly 3 years we have been providing lifesaving aid to the people of Ukraine, in cities and towns and remote villages. No one is forgotten and no one is left behind. It has become increasingly difficult to fund this critical work, but with thousands of people's lives at stake we must find ways to continue. Thank you to our generous donors who make it all possible.
Together we save lives and restore hope.
